Hulladek Recycling organizes an event in collaboration with Assam Pollution Control Board and Saahas Zero Waste. The event was conducted to discuss the new rules established by the Central Pollution Control Board with the members of Assam PCB and the stakeholders present in Guwahati. We had invited several bulk consumers, producers, recyclers, refurbishers and dismantlers in the city.
The new E-waste Management Rules, 2022 published on 2nd November by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change shall come into force from 1st April, 2023. These rules shall apply to every manufacturer, producer refurbisher, dismantler and recycler involved in manufacture, sale, transfer, purchase, refurbishing, dismantling, recycling and processing of e-waste or electrical and electronic equipment, including their components, consumables, parts and spares which make the product operational.
Highlights of E-waste Management Rules 2022 and its impact on the E-waste Industry:
As per E-waste Management Rules, 2016 there were only 2 categories – Information Technology and Telecommunication Equipment and Consumer Electronic & Electricals including 21 items. However, the categories have been redefined and increased to 7 categories including Information Technology and Telecommunication Equipment, Consumer Electricals and Electronics, Large and Small Electrical and Electronic Equipment, Electrical and Electronic Tools, Toys, Leisure and Sports Equipment, Medical Devices and Laboratory Instruments. The number of items has been increased from 21 to 106 items under the above-mentioned categories.
Earlier with 21 items falling under the E-waste Management Rules, there were approximately 2500 producers (manufactures, importers, brand owners) who had to fulfil their compliance of Extended Producers Responsibility. However, with increase in items, the estimated number of producers is said to increase x100 times this year, increasing the scope of the industry by heaps and bounds.
Solar panels have also been included under e-waste. No target has been allocated for manufacturers. However, all producers of solar panels have to be registered under the CPCB.
An Environmental Compensation has been introduced in the form of a penalty for those producers who are not fulfilling their targets as defined by the E-waste Management Rules, 2022. The penalty amount is yet to be defined. However, producers who fulfil their targets in the subsequent years after paying the penalty, will receive 85% of the penalty amount back.
A Steering Committee will be set-up under the Chairmanship of the Chairman of Central Pollution Control Board to oversee the implementation, monitoring and supervision of these rules and regulations. They can review and revise the guidelines as per E-waste Management Rules, 2022 as well as add more items based on technological developments and other factors.